It’s March and I’ve only rated one book five stars this year - I keep reaching for books I think are going to knock my socks off only for my brain to have hyped them up too much 😭 I’ve been meaning to read My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness since 2021, and while it is a super vulnerable, honest and funny memoir (and my first manga!) I wasn’t blown away.

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Nagata Kabi is super awkward and confused about her sexuality, but said awkwardness stops her from doing anything about that organically. So she hires a lesbian escort to explore that part of herself with no strings. Escort services are a lot more common in Japan than the UK, with somewhat less stigma. But I really appreciated how the author comes to terms with the fact that was in fact not emotionally prepared for everything that sex brings with it. Jumping into such an intimate act is probably not the best idea, especially for someone with such little experience with social relationships in general!

Aside from her sexual awakening (or not), we also get an unfiltered glimpse of the author’s battle with mental illness, disordered eating and a troubled relationship with her parents. I’m so glad she has the medium of manga to help work through her issues, and that she was courageous enough to share her most vulnerable experiences with an audience.

I’m no graphic novel reviewer, but the illustrations were lovely! Loved the pink palette, and the emotions portrayed.

I just thought it would have more of an impact on me - perhaps if I’d read it when I was also a freshly-out lesbian or even closeted. Glad I finally read it, sad it wasn’t a new fave!